Paul M. Levine

Partner

Washington, D.C.
T +1.202.861.1606
F +1.202.861.1783

Overview

Paul Levine focuses his litigation practice on international disputes and arbitration, asset recovery, arbitration award and judgment enforcement and complex litigation. He has first chair trial experience and has participated in the enforcement and recovery of millions of dollars’ worth of judgments and arbitration awards.

Working with clients in the U.S. and across the world, he helps craft strategies to help clients resolve complex issues and use the legal system as a means to their ultimate goals and recovery.

Select Experience

  • Represents North American forest products company in sovereign investment dispute under NAFTA against Government of Canada related to Nova Scotian measures designed to aid local paper producer. As part of representation, obtained decision that defeated jurisdictional dismissal sought by Canada.
  • Coordinated with Canadian and Antiguan co-counsel in cross-border asset recovery action for Antiguan corporate entity, a corporate victim of illegal expropriation by a sovereign government. As part of strategy, helped obtain information pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782 (including defeating a challenge to the discovery) to locate and recover foreign assets in satisfaction of foreign judgment.
  • Represents international petroleum services company in enforcement of international arbitration award. Award confirmed in full by U.S. Federal court, leading to ongoing enforcement proceedings against foreign parties.
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Experience

  • Represents North American forest products company in sovereign investment dispute under NAFTA against Government of Canada related to Nova Scotian measures designed to aid local paper producer. As part of representation, obtained decision that defeated jurisdictional dismissal sought by Canada.
  • Coordinated with Canadian and Antiguan co-counsel in cross-border asset recovery action for Antiguan corporate entity, a corporate victim of illegal expropriation by a sovereign government. As part of strategy, helped obtain information pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782 (including defeating a challenge to the discovery) to locate and recover foreign assets in satisfaction of foreign judgment.
  • Represents international petroleum services company in enforcement of international arbitration award. Award confirmed in full by U.S. Federal court, leading to ongoing enforcement proceedings against foreign parties.
  • Represents foreign client in obtaining discovery under 28 U.S.C. § 1782 to locate bank records and other documents for use in foreign litigation to acquire control of British Virgin Islands company.
  • Represents U.S. mining company in sovereign investment dispute under NAFTA against relating to dissipation of energy assets caused by Albertan payout to local energy companies.
  • Represented a foreign private equity fund in international contractual dispute that proceeded to arbitration and assisted with subsequent vacatur of award obtained by client.
  • Represented U.K.-based energy company in obtaining recognition of British judgment in the United States.
  • Represents prolific inventor in complex patent litigation brought by a U.S. Federal agency seeking to invalidate all pending patent applications. After trial ended in favor of client, participated in additional trials for client that led to judgments requiring federal agency to award client patents.
  • Represented importer in defense of a Russian judgment enforcement. After assisting with resolution of foreign judgment disputes, assisted the client to structure future agreements to ensure fair forum for potential future disputes.
  • Part of legal team representing British barristers accused of breach of fiduciary duty by a member of a royal family and numerous corporate entities. Jury verdict was obtained and damages were awarded. Involved in all critical aspects of the case, including witness preparation, depositions, motions practice, trial work and post-trial briefing.
  • Represented a multinational contractor in obtaining settlement for post-construction litigation claims against the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
  • Represented government contractor in arbitration accused of fraud and making false statements resulting in its termination from a $50 million contract. Following 10-day hearing, a panel of three arbitrators awarded the client lost profits caused by the breach of contract.
  • Represented the United States at trial seeking damages for levee breaches after Hurricane Katrina in a test case that was ultimately decided in favor of the government. Responsible for cross examination of plaintiff experts and examination of critical government witnesses.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Law360: International Arbitration Editorial Board (2022)
  • The Legal 500 United States
    • Recommended in Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration (2021 to 2022)
    • Recommended in Dispute Resolution: International Litigation (2022)
  • Department of Justice: Special Commendation as part of Hurricane Katrina Litigation Team

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • International Bar Association

Pro Bono

  • Represented client in obtaining judgment and recovery of stolen funds through sham investment scheme
  • Represents local foundation in defense of real property action brought by property developer.
  • Represented client in landlord/tenant dispute stemming from threat of eviction brought by landlord. Settled matter.

Prior Positions

  • Department of Justice: Honors Program (4 years)
  • Law Clerk in the Northern District of Illinois (2 years)

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland, 2014
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, 2011
  • District of Columbia, 2011
  • Maryland, 2012
  • Illinois [Inactive], 2003

Education

  • J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 2003, with highest honors; Order of the Coif; Articles Editor, The George Washington University Law Review
  • B.S., The Ohio State University, 2000, cum laude, with distinction in research, Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honorary)